The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) hereby informs that the National Meteorological Service have issued a flood warning for the Toledo District due to flooding as a result of heavy rainfall over the last 36 to 48 hours over southern Belize. Rainfall is expected to continue through the day and tonight. It is raining over the Maya Mountains, so communities prone to flash flooding in the Stann Creek District must be on the alert.

The concerns remain as localized flooding of low-lying communities and flash floods near rivers and streams especially in the south. AREAS OF CONCERN in Stann Creek are the North Stann Creek and South Stann Rivers including Kendal. In Toledo it is the Moho and Temash Rivers which are at flood stage. So far eight (8) families had to relocate to their relatives due flood waters in Crique Sarco. In Santa Ana the water is level with the bank, safety-wise no one affected. In Blue Creek and Aguacate the water is six (6) feet above normal, no families directly affected. In Jordan the water is level with the road and in Jacintoville water is about four (4) feet high in the area of Jacintoville, no traffic moving.

People in central, coastal and southern Belize are advised to make the necessary arrangements to protect life and property. If you are at risk to flooding be prepared to move to higher grounds before nightfall, with family or friends or to a community shelter and check on family members and neighbours who might be in need of assistance.

Review your family emergency plan. Keep handy, a first aid kit, basic tools, lanterns, batteries, flashlights, and non-perishable foods. Keep an extra supply of medication. Do not wait until itís too late to take action. Saving your life and property are first and foremost your responsibility.

All motorist are asked to drive with extreme care and to put on your low beam and hazard signal to avoid accidents due to slippery road conditions.

The North Stann Creek has begun flooding and is four feet (4ft) above normal at Miles 20 on the Stann Creek Valley Road. Stann Creek Command Center is on standby and has already issued a flood watch to Sarawee and Hope Creek.

Update: Few showers and isolated thunderstorms will continue over the south tonight. Conditions are expected to improve tomorrow with showers and thunderstorms becoming isolated. Communities in the Stann Creek District that are prone to flash flood must be on the alert as the North and South Stann Creek rivers are rising fast. A flash flood warning is in effect for and has been issued to the villages of Sarawee and Hope Creek. Shelters will be opened in Sarawee and Hope Creek to assist those residents who need a dry, safe place to shelter until the water recedes. The Stann Creek District Command Centre was activated at 4:00 p.m. today. The Hon. Frank Mena chaired the Stann Creek District Emergency Committee meeting, reviewed the situation and initiated their plan of action.

In Toledo the road in Jacinto is now open to traffic. The water in Big Falls has risen fifteen (15)feet above normal. In Crique Sarco eight (8) homes are still affected by flood waters, however, the river is cresting. In Aguacate the water is four (4) feet over the bridge. Golden Stream is six (6) feet above normal and not rising; in Bladden the water is three (3) feet above normal and not rising; in Blue Creek the river is four (4) feet above the bridge and receding slowly; and in San Felipe the road remains closed. The Toledo District Command Centre is monitoring and coordinating their response. The concerns remain localized flooding of low-lying communities and flash flood near rivers and streams.

People in central, coastal and southern Belize are advised to make the necessary arrangements to protect life and property. If you are at risk to flooding be prepared to move to higher grounds before nightfall, with family or friends or to a community shelterand check on family members and neighbours who might be in need of assistance.

∑ Saving your life and property are first and foremost your responsibility.

∑ All motoristsare asked to drive with extreme care and to put on your low beam and hazard signal to avoid accidents due to slippery road conditions.

NEMO Flood Advisory #3Update: Generally fair conditions should prevail. The 24 hour forecast calls for sunny skies with cloudy spells today and partly cloudy skies tonight. Showers will be isolated and mostly over the south tomorrow. All major highways across the country are trafficable. All rivers in the Stann Creek District have crested and are receding. There is no flood threat to communities in the Stann Creek District.

In Toledo, Bladden River is three (3) feet above normal and is not rising. Blue Creek is one (1) foot above normal and receding slowly. In Aguacate the water is three (3) feet above normal and going down slowly. Motorist are asked to be careful and to watch out for debris on the bridge in Aguacate. The Moho River (through Jordan) is six (6) feet above normal and is receding slowly. The Temash River (near Crique Sarco) is fifteen (15) feet above normal. Water is about ten (10) feet above the road leading to Crique Sarco, which remains inaccessible to all forms of traffic.

The Moho River (near Santa Ana) is eight (8) feet above normal and is receding slowly. The water in Big Falls is twenty (20) feet above normal, and rising, it is eight (8) feet away from a home. The family has been moved to a shelter. Golden Stream is four (4) feet above normal and is receding slowly. In San Miguel the water is eight (8) feet above normal and is receding, and in Columbia the bridge is under three (3) feet, the water is going down slowly.

People in flooded areas are reminded to stay out flood waters, do not eat food and drink water that has come in contact with flood waters. If there is no purified water available, water must be boiled for at least three minutes before drinking. Check on family members and neighbors who might be in need of assistance.